Oakland Residents Share Concerns with Police at 'Coffee with a Cop' Event
A recent "Coffee with a Cop" event in Oakland's Montclair Village district saw neighbors come together to discuss safety concerns and share personal stories of how crime has affected them. The meeting, which took place at Peet's Coffee & Tea, was an opportunity for residents to connect with Oakland Police Captain Aaron Smith and voice their worries about crime.
One concern that kept popping up was the rise in robberies and burglaries during daylight saving time, as evenings get dark earlier. Residents expressed frustration when they had stood idly by while a man attempted to steal a shelf full of toothpaste from a CVS. Capt. Smith shared a tragic story of a man who died after trying to retrieve his stolen laptop in Montclair Village in 2019.
Capt. Smith emphasized the importance of not confronting thieves, even if it means watching them get away. He encouraged residents to prioritize their safety and promised that the police would take action to prevent similar incidents. For instance, the department has implemented a new strategy to design intersections that discourage sideshows by installing delineators and square speed bumps.
To combat crime effectively, Capt. Smith highlighted the significance of partnerships between citizens and law enforcement. He explained how technology, such as license plate readers and Ring camera footage, can help identify perpetrators. Moreover, he stressed that every report, regardless of its size or nature, is crucial in solving crimes.
The 'Coffee with a Cop' event demonstrated the power of community engagement in addressing public safety concerns. By fostering open communication between residents and police, we can work together to prevent crime and create safer neighborhoods.
				
			A recent "Coffee with a Cop" event in Oakland's Montclair Village district saw neighbors come together to discuss safety concerns and share personal stories of how crime has affected them. The meeting, which took place at Peet's Coffee & Tea, was an opportunity for residents to connect with Oakland Police Captain Aaron Smith and voice their worries about crime.
One concern that kept popping up was the rise in robberies and burglaries during daylight saving time, as evenings get dark earlier. Residents expressed frustration when they had stood idly by while a man attempted to steal a shelf full of toothpaste from a CVS. Capt. Smith shared a tragic story of a man who died after trying to retrieve his stolen laptop in Montclair Village in 2019.
Capt. Smith emphasized the importance of not confronting thieves, even if it means watching them get away. He encouraged residents to prioritize their safety and promised that the police would take action to prevent similar incidents. For instance, the department has implemented a new strategy to design intersections that discourage sideshows by installing delineators and square speed bumps.
To combat crime effectively, Capt. Smith highlighted the significance of partnerships between citizens and law enforcement. He explained how technology, such as license plate readers and Ring camera footage, can help identify perpetrators. Moreover, he stressed that every report, regardless of its size or nature, is crucial in solving crimes.
The 'Coffee with a Cop' event demonstrated the power of community engagement in addressing public safety concerns. By fostering open communication between residents and police, we can work together to prevent crime and create safer neighborhoods.